Jazz takes over Roughley House

Built in 1856, Roughley House was the residence of the Roughley family and is an icon of the Dural district.

The Roughley family story in Australia began in 1817 when Joseph Roughley and his son James were convicted of theft and given a seven year sentence of transportation to Australia.

The final family resident, Gordon ‘Clive’ Roughley, passed away in February 2002 aged 87 years.

Prior to his death, as he had no direct descendants, Clive sold the property to The Hills Shire Council for $1 so that it would be maintained as a living history of colonial life in the Hills and remain accessible to the public.

Home to five generations of the Roughley family, the house holds treasured memories and now acts as a museum to commemorate the rich history of this special site.

Roughley House also plays host to Jazz at The Pines, run by The Rotary Club of The Hills-Kellyville.

Visitors to the event can bring a packed picnic lunch and take a seat among the tall pines and lavish gardens which surround the house while enjoying the melodic tones of smooth jazz.

Freshly baked cakes, tea and coffee will also be available at every Jazz event.

The next instalment of Jazz at The Pines, on Sunday April 15, will feature the Riverside Jazz Band.

You can also take a peek inside the historic house with tours of the home run by volunteers during Jazz at The Pines events.